Florida Trust honors Flagler College

Flagler College recently received two awards from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, bringing the number of preservation awards the college has received to seven.

The Molly Wiley Art Building was recognized for "Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Adaptive Use" and Markland Cottage was recognized for "Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Restoration/Rehabilitation." Each year the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's statewide awards program recognizes significant contributions to the preservation of Florida's historic resources.

The art building project converted the 120-year-old artists' studios and Edison Electric steam boiler building into a two-story studio, gallery and office complex. The rehabilitation showcased the original details of the Henry Flagler-era structure, which was used originally by renowned artists such as Martin Johnson Heade. Roman bond brickwork and palm treetrunk column supports were restored on the exterior, and the interior facilities were updated with a spiral staircase, a skylight and open-beamed ceilings. Thanks to gifts from more than 30 corporations, foundations and individuals, the $5.5 million construction project finished in time for the fall 2007 semester.

Markland Cottage, the tiny, shingled cottage located behind Markland House, was restored with details mimicking the larger building, including quartersawn sycamore woodwork, a Majolica tiled fireplace and elaborate crown molding. Built in 1900 as a Billiard Building, the structure is now home to the Florida Public Archaeology Network's Northeast Regional Center.

The Florida Trust has previously recognized the college with an organizational achievement award for a comprehensive commitment to historic preservation, along with honors for a variety of projects. Those include the restoration of the Hotel Ponce de Leon's Grand Parlor and Dining Hall and the rehabilitation of Wiley Hall and the Union Generals' House, both on Valencia Street.

Since its opening in 1968, more than $30 million has been invested in Flagler College's historic campus facilities.